2007South Africa booked a place in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final with a 37-13 victory over Argentina in their semi-final clash at the Stade de France in Paris. The Springboks ran in four tries while Percy Montgomery's kicking was unerring as the Pumas never looked able to produce another shock win after their victories over France (twice), Ireland and Scotland. The Springboks profited from elementary Argentinian mistakes to score three first-half tries, through Fourie du Preez, Bryan Habana and Danie Rossouw. Habana applied the coup de grace with his second try five minutes from time and Montgomery finished with 17 points. Argentina's only try came straight after the interval through Manuel Contepomi but this was a game too far for the tournament's surprise package.

1972Scotland kicked off their Centenary celebrations with a four countries match at Murrayfield. Scotland/Ireland were too strong for England/Wales running out winners by 30-21 thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Ireland's Mike Gibson. Centre Gibson is arguably the finest Irish player of all time. Accomplished in the 10 or 12 jerseys, Gibson's ability to mesh a backline together was years ahead of its time. He made his Irish debut in 1964, and amassed 69 international caps, a mark that held until lock Malcolm O'Kelly surpassed it 26 years after Gibson's retirement.

1975Former All Blacks fly-half Carlos Spencer was born in Levin, New Zealand. Though his rise to prominence coincided with the emergence of another outstanding No.10 in Andrew Mehrtens, 'King Carlos' achieved many notable feats for provincial side Auckland, the Blues at Super 12 level and for New Zealand. He won a total of 33 caps for the All Blacks before opting for a lucrative move to the northern hemisphere with Premiership side Northampton in 2005.

1978In the first representative meeting between the teams England and Argentina drew 13-all at Twickenham. Hugo Porta saved the Pumas with a late penalty goal. Capped 60 times by the Pumas between 1971 and 1999, Porta's unique talents lifted Argentina from their status as a minor nation to one of respect among the international rugby community.

1900The first representative match between French and German XVs was staged. France win 27-17 against a team drawn from the Frankfurt area.

1931The Third Springboks were given a fright by the valleys combination of Abertillery/Cross Keys who made the tourists struggle for a 10-9 win.

1961In the Anglo-Welsh clash of the day Cardiff successfully defended their ground record with a 9-9 draw against unbeaten Northampton. The match was described as one that will "long be remembered as a classic."

1967Brian Lochore's Sixth All Blacks began their northern hemisphere tour with a 36-3 defeat of British Columbia in Vancouver.